Sustainable Packaging 101
A Comprehensive Overview of LINC's Eco-Friendly Products
In an era where environmental responsibility is paramount, choosing the right packaging materials is crucial for businesses aiming to minimize their ecological footprint. Our range of sustainable packaging products, including stretch and shrink film, polyester and polypropylene strapping, edge protection, void fill, and packaging tapes, offers effective solutions without compromising on quality or performance.
We understand the importance of balancing functionality with sustainability, which is why our products are designed to protect your goods while also being mindful of the planet. By opting for eco-friendly materials and innovative designs, you can enhance your packaging process and contribute to a greener future. Explore our offerings below or contact us today to discover how sustainable packaging can elevate your business and help safeguard the environment.
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Stretch Film | Shrink Film | Polyester Strapping | Polypropylene Strapping | Edge Protection | Void Fill | Packaging Tapes
PCR Films and Packaging Material
What does PCR mean in PCR Films or packaging material?
PCR, short for post-consumer resin (post-consumer recycled), is an environment-friendly packaging option that is made from recycled plastics, most commonly PET and HDPE plastic products. Instead of being sent to a local landfill, used items such as bottles, milk jugs, buckets, and industrial products like IBC totes and polydrums can be broken down, melted and reconstructed to make a resin material that’s then added to create a new product—PCR packaging products or films.
PCR packaging is used to propel a continuous cycle of creating various "new" products with used recycled plastics. In addition, according to the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), post-consumer recycled production reduces the reliance of fossil fuels as well as raw materials for its formulation in comparison to virgin resin products. While PCR is a more environmentally friendly option (in comparison to virgin resin) since it's made from recycled plastic, according to The Federal Trade Commission's Green Guides, the plastic itself is not biodegradable unless it is decomposed within a year of being disposed of in landfills, incinerators and recycling plants.
Here are our Paragon PCR Films options:
Pros of PCR Packaging
The recycled resin reduces the amount of waste that is landfilled and reduces the use of fossil fuels which, in turn, improves the environmental impact of plastic packaging. PCR packaging appeals to eco-conscious consumers, and, studies suggest that people, particularly generations Gen Z and millennials, are committed to having a positive impact on the environment, indicating PCR plastics are the way of the future.
PCR allows manufacturers to produce high-quality products like a virgin resin product would at competitive prices while reducing their environmental impact. The grade of PCR plastics is equally matched with regular plastic film in terms of protection, performance, and strength. Post-consumer resin blocks light, oxygen, and other gases from seeping into the package.
PCR packaging can be suitable for food-contact use if it meets the FDA Guidelines.
These plastics decrease carbon footprints (the total amount of greenhouse gases produced by our actions).
Cons of PCR Packaging
The required reheating process in creating PCR plastics can alter the color and clarity of the product depending on the amount of resin that is added. This process does not hinder the function or durability of the bottle. Manufacturers can shy away from using post-consumer resin because the dark properties of the bottle do not fit the aesthetic they want to portray for their packaging.
Benefits of PCR plastic is dependent on the consumer recycling their products.
Price of manufacturing is contingent on the amount of plastics recycled.
How Is PCR Used?
After consumers recycle their products, recycling plants sort the bottles according to their plastic type. Because PET and HDPE plastics are most used to manufacture PCR products, these plastics are collected, washed and broken down into resin pellets. The resulting pellets are then reheated, molded and formed into a new product.
PCR can be added in percentages ranging from 10% to 100% along with virgin plastic depending on the manufacturer's preference.
If post-consumer resin is used to manufacture a plastic bottle, a higher percentage can impact transparency and color. Some companies choose to incorporate less PCR in their products and more virgin resin so the material can retain the look of virgin resin. For example, if a product is composed of 25 percent PCR and 75 percent virgin resin material, then the product will look more like a virgin bottle. Additionally, many PCR plastic bottles are typically intended for products that do not require transparent packaging.
What does PIR mean in PIR Films or packaging material?
PIR, or post-industrial resin, is reworked plastic produced in the manufacturing process. PIR consists of grinded resins that were collected either from extra scrap parts during the molding stage of production or finished products that did not pass the quality control standards of the original product. Despite never being used before, the material is not considered virgin because it has been put through a second reheating process.
PIR products have not reached the consumer whereas PCR products include used material that's already reached the consumer and returned.
While PIR is reprocessed resin, PCR is made of used and recycled resin. Like PCR packaging, PIR also helps decrease the amount of plastic sent to landfills as well as reduce the demand for raw materials.
Shrink Film
Is Shrink Film recyclable?
IPG’s Exlfilmplus GPS is a high performance crosslinked polyolefin shrink film. It is NOT recyclable however it contains certified post-industrial recycled content (PIR). This multilayered film is versatile enough to perform on all sealing systems and shrink tunnels. It is also Cradle to Cradle Certified Silver.
The Cradle to Cradle Certified® Product Standard provides the framework to assess the safety, circularity and responsibility of materials and products across five categories of sustainability performance: Material Health, Product Circularity, Clean Air & Climate Protection, Water and Soil Stewardship and Social Fairness.
Polyester Strapping
Is Polyester Strapping Recyclable?
Yes, polyester cord strapping is recyclable. It can be recycled into new products such as carpet backing, automotive components, and even clothing. Many recycling centers accept polyester cord strapping, and some may even offer financial incentives for returning it. The recycling process for polyester cord strapping is relatively simple and cost effective, making it a great way to help protect our environment.
Our most popular Polyester Strapping include:
Hand Grade Polyester
Samuel 1/2 x .025 x 5800’ Green Smooth 800 LB Break Strength
Item Code #0197P1225SMT058H2
Machine Grade Polyester
Samuel 5/8 x .035 x 4000’ Green Smooth 1499 LB Break Strength
Item Code # 0197P5835SMG040H2
Polypropylene Strapping
Is Polypropylene (Plastic) Strapping Recyclable?
Yes, plastic strapping is recyclable. It is made from polypropylene, which is a type of plastic that is easily recycled into new products. To recycle plastic strapping, it should be separated from other materials, such as paper and cardboard, and taken to a local recycling center that accepts plastic strapping. The center will then break down the strapping and turn it into raw materials that can be used to create new products. Recycling plastic strapping helps to reduce waste, preserve natural resources, and lower greenhouse gas emissions.
Our most popular Polypropylene Strapping include:
Polypropylene
Samuel 1/2 x .024 x 9000’ Black 300 LB Break Strength
Item Code #0197H1230EGB090C7
Edge Protection
Edge Protection is 100% Recyclable!
All our Edge Protection products are both recyclable and made from recycled materials. Furthermore, their design enables customers to reduce secondary packaging and still protect their products, keeping them in consumer-friendly condition.
Void Fill
Storopack’s PAPERplus® Void Fill Protection goes beyond being 100% Recyclable!
PAPERplus® paper padding is made from 100% recycled material and is part of the paper recycling loop and is fully recyclable. Storopack does not use coated paper, disposal via existing recycling facilities contributes to reducing the use of primary raw materials. Because of the outstanding quality of PAPERplus®, the paper padding can be used many times.
Packaging Tapes
Can Tapes Be Sustainable and/or Recycled?
As part of Shurtape’ s continued commitment to sustainability, we’re excited to introduce the Shurtape® Recycled Series — our new packaging tapes manufactured with a film made from 90% post-consumer recycled (PCR) plastics.
Shurtape®Recycled Series Packaging Tapes are made from Post-Consumer Recycled (PCR) Polyester, found in PET bottles and rigid containers, and are designed to significantly reduce virgin plastic use in carton sealing operations, while contributing to a more circular plastics economy.
By combining an rPET film-based backing with our high-performance hot melt adhesive, these tapes offer uncompromised strength and functionality to provide a drop-in case sealing solution with the reliability and performance you demand.
No matter your sealing situation, Recycled Series Packaging Tapes seamlessly integrate into existing packaging lines to deliver sustainable and Secure Seals, Every Time.™
Water Activated 100% Recyclable
All IPG’s WAT (Water Activated Tape) is recyclable with the carton it is applied on. Cartons are one of the most widely recycled packaging products in use today. When you use IPG’s WAT tape to seal the carton, the paper from the tape contributes to the recycling stream with the corrugate.
IPG’s paper tapes take recycling one step farther. Our WAT paper tape has passed the Western Michigan University Old Corrugated Containers (OCC) Equivalency (WMU OCC-E) testing protocol, making it the first certified recyclable carton sealing tape!
These products, without reinforcing fibers, are completely made from recyclable paper. Some of these products are made with up to 50% recycled paper to help support circularity.
IPG’s Paper Tape 100% Recyclable
100e is an aggressive pressure-sensitive paper carton sealing tape that features an adhesive specifically designed to provide a strong and secure seal on a variety of carton types and sizes. This tape features a 100% recycled backing with smooth and consistent unwinds for easy application whether using a handheld tape dispenser or in a high-speed carton sealing machine!
IPG’s Line of Curbside Recycling Packaging Products
E-commerce shipping volumes are rapidly increasing, and consumers have become ever more aware of their environmental impact. In response to this trend, IPG has developed a line of curbside-friendly products, called Curby®, to promote a circular economy and help answer these E-commerce growth challenges. With the certification of our Water- Activated Paper Tape, IPG is pleased to supplement our Curby line of products that now includes paper mailers, water-activated paper tape, paper void fill, cold chain solutions and fragile wrap. See www.mycurby.com for more details.
Which Packaging Solution is Right for Your Business?
LINC has over 85 years of experience helping manufacturers and packaging facilities improve their efficiencies through our state-of-the-art automated packaging equipment, cost saving product solutions, and expert advice.
Give us a call at 800.252.5894 or fill out the Contact Form for a FREE Sustainable Packaging Product and Equipment Analysis.